What will help lower back pain

[beatherica]

What will help lower back pain from standing on hard floor at work? I stand on a hard floor for 8 hours a day (everyday) at work. By the time I go home my back is hurting so bad I find it hard to stand up-right and walk. Back belts are not allowed. Is there anything I can do to ease the pain while I'm working?

[mars]

Hi Beatherica

Using a lumber extender a few times during the day may help -

http://www.comfortchannel.com/prod.itml/icOid/4855

It has worked for me.

cheers

Mars

[sleepycarol]

Make sure your shoes are providing adequate support. A few years ago I was at the doctor for my back and she looked at my shoes and said -- there is part of your problem. Many of the lower priced shoes do not provide adequate support to keep your spine in alignment. She told me to go and get a good pair of running shoes that would support the arch and cradle the foot properly. I went to the local sporting goods store and purchased a good pair -- they were pricey at over a $100, but they did their job. My back improved.

See if they will provide an anti fatigue mat for you. You may have to enlist your doctor's help with this one. I know when I had to wear the running shoes I had the doctor write a note to my employer to that effect and didn't have any problems.

At night to help relief some of the strain on the lower back, sleep with a pillow between your knees if on your side, and if on your back sleep with the pillow under your knees.

Good luck on getting some relief.

[roster]

Make sure your shoes are providing adequate support.

Ditto, plus make sure the fit is proper. Also check your posture.

Do you have a large tummy? Losing weight can help with the back pain.

Exercise is important and here is an easy routine: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00302

At night, sleep in the Falcon position: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36738&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15

Will you exercise and lose weight? Most people won't. You should be different.

[BlackSpinner]

Most back pain is caused by feet lacking support and lack of abdominal /core strength. Bad shoes is like having a house with a bad basement, weak core muscles is like you removed a supporting wall. Both cause bad posture that can cause pain in the knees, lower back, shoulders, neck, migraines etc.

[Marietjie]

Most back pain is caused by feet lacking support

beatherica...how about job changing? What I can suggest is that you have two or three pairs of shoes with different heel heights for work. (Keep two pairs at work)Change shoes every 2nd hour or so.

[KatieW]

Most back pain is caused by feet lacking support and lack of abdominal /core strength. Bad shoes is like having a house with a bad basement, weak core muscles is like you removed a supporting wall. Both cause bad posture that can cause pain in the knees, lower back, shoulders, neck, migraines etc.

Black Spinner, I've never heard it put like that. You're absolutely right, what a good analogy.

Bbeatherica, standing all day in the same spot is hard on anyone. What do you doing your breaks? Can you do a few simple stretching exercises, go for a short walk? It may help your lower back to elevate one foot a few inches when standing, and then alternating feet. A easy core exercise is to imagine zipping up a pair of tight jeans.

Do you have a full length mirror? Observe your posture by 1st closing your eyes, standing "normally", and facing the mirror, then open and have a look--is your weight balanced on both feet, do your toes face forward, are your hips and shoulders level? Then turn to each side and do the same--is there a straight line from tip of shoulder, to hip, knee, and ankle? Does your stomach pooch out? If you don't have a mirror, get someone to take a photo of you.

A good resting position is lying flat on the floor, with your knees bent to 90 degrees, and calves on a chair or couch. It allows your lower back to relax.

If you are someone who will stick to a exercise regimen, 15 minutes a day can make a big difference. I can list some books and videos if you are interested.